3.7 Misusing Statistics
The misuse of statistics refers to the improper, misleading, or inappropriate use of numerical data to support a particular argument or agenda, or to draw conclusions that are not supported by the evidence. Misuse of statistics can take many forms, such as limiting public access to critical information, intending to mislead the public by presenting false information, or using deceptive formats to present information (Kappler & Potter, 2018). It can also involve using statistical techniques in a manner that is inconsistent with their intended purpose or overgeneralizing statistical results beyond their scope or applicability. The misuse of statistics can promote crime myths and generate fear of crime.
3.7.1 Activity: Genocide: Misuse of Statistics
Find a news article that demonstrates an apparent misuse of statistics for a crime OR an article that demonstrates that people are trying to publish accurate and reliable information about a crime. Specifically, discuss how it is a misuse of statistics or not and why that particular article was picked in 500 words.
For example, the article I found is about the genocide in Myanmar. The article is titled, “What is happening in Myanmar is genocide. Call it by its name” in the Washington Post. For a long time, most people did not refer to this crime as a genocide. There were deliberate attempts by the government in Myanmar and the world to not refer to it as genocide. Despite visual evidence that a genocide was occurring, the government tried to deny it. The news said, “NO MORE. Call it what it is.”
What is happening in Myanmar is genocide. Call it by its name. – The Washington Post
Figure 3.4. Genocide of Rohingya families.
3.7.2 Licenses and Attributions for Misusing Statistics
“3.7. Misusing Statistics” by Sam Arungwa is adapted from “2.5. Misusing Statistics” by Shanell Sanchez in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Edited for style, consistency, recency, and brevity; added DEI content.